The Lighthouses of the Outer Banks

On a dark night, far from the shores of Norththe sights you can expect to enjoy when visiting the
Carolina, ships may be guided safely to theirshores:
respective ports by the beams of lighthouses andCape Hatteras Lighthouse - Perhaps the most
stations bordering the Outer Banks. Just as thefamous lighthouse in the state, the Cape Hatteras
lighthouses represent a means of security for sailorsstation is also the tallest and one of the oldest in the
finding their way through difficult weather at sea,nation. An easily recognizable black-striped obelisk,
they also symbolize the romanticism of the nauticalover two hundred and fifty stairs takes visitors to
life. Each year, thousands of visitors come to thethe top, which is the equivalent of twelve stories.
Outer Banks to see these impressive monuments, ifThe lighthouse is open to visitors normally from
only to briefly live vicariously through the lightMarch through October, where all can learn the
keepers of old and enjoy the stories they have tocolorful history of this national treasure.
tell.Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Standing tall in Corolla,
Before modern technologies like radar and otherone of the northernmost points in the Outer Banks,
navigational systems allows sailors to negotiate theCurrituck Beach Lighthouse is unique in that it is one
waters with ease, lighthouses stood, literally, as theof the few unpainted beacons in existence. Once
one of the main devices to help ocean travel.illuminated by oil lamps, this light station has since
Situated along coastlines around the world, lightbeen upgraded with the latest technology, and its
keepers kept large flames alive to alert passing shipslight can be seen for nearly twenty nautical miles.
to dangerous areas like rocky shores, or to guideVisitors are welcome to explore between Easter and
cargo into ports. It is estimated now that only fifteenThanksgiving.
hundred lighthouses remain, though not all areOcracoke Lighthouse - While Hatteras boasts the
operational. Many on the east coast of the Unitedoldest lighthouse on the shore, Ocracoke has the
States, including those in the Outer Banks, have beendistinction of being home to the oldest operating
preserved as national or state landmarks, and visitorsstation. Ocracoke Lighthouse is also the shortest
are welcomed to climb their arduous circular stairs forfreestanding one in the Outer Banks, standing at
a bird's eye view.seventy-five feet. As it is still operational, the actual
For tourists with an interest in pharology, the studylighthouse is closed to visitors, though pharology
of lighthouses (derived from the island of Pharos inenthusiasts are welcomed to tour the grounds.
Greece, home of the famous Lighthouse ofFor a taste of nautical history and breathtaking views
Alexandria), the Outer Banks lighthouses will definitelyof the Outer Banks, include a visit to an area
keep you busy, and in shape! Here are just a few oflighthouse. Let the light guide you.